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181
Observations:
As last year, the advantages of engaging nursing sisters for day
and night duties were considerable and, once again the professional
staff were well selected by the Nursing Bureau. Indeed, one had
been with us last year but all were very interested in the exercise.
When the occasion demanded, general practitioners were
requested to visit their own patients or give permission for our
residential Medical Officer to attend. Although the valuable services
of Dr. Walker were again available during his daily visits,
fortunately there were no serious incidents.
Aid from voluntary sources came, once more, from two members
of the Avery Hill Townswomen's Guild (Messrs. Walker and
Cuffley) whose help in our holiday schemes dates from the very
first function organised by the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich
in 1964. Besides their own valuable assistance, they gave the
benefit of their considerable experience to other voluntary workers.
Evening voluntary help was maintained, as usual, by the stalwart
personnel of the St. John Ambulance Brigade.
This year we had the privilege of listening to the Pipe and Drum
Band of the R.A.M.C., R.A.V.R. from Chelsea Barracks and their
colourful uniforms made an unforgettable impression on all the
guests and visitors who heard them in such an ideal setting.
Summary
Now that responsibility for these schemes will rest with the
Social Services Directorate, it is pertinent to emphasise the enormous
value of this type of holiday which should never be underestimated
when thought is being given to future ventures."
Holiday Hotel
To meet increasing demands by elderly residents for holidays,
the Council operates its own hotel for the exclusive use of Greenwich
residents at Westgate-on-sea.
The present hotel, which is managed by a Resident Superintendent
and Assistant with appropriate staff, is an annexation of
the previous Greenwich and Sea Grange Hotels and it can cater
for almost 1,700 guests annually. Its operation is now controlled
by the Social Services Directorate.
Existing accommodation at the combined hotels includes a
kitchen serving the whole establishment, several lounges with sea
views, a bar lounge and three dining rooms all on the ground
floor. Inclement weather is countered by enclosed balconies and
there are ample facilities for indoor entertainment and pastimes,
including television and radio.
It is the Council's intention to provide a cheerful holiday with